Five Differences Between Truck and Car Accidents

Accidents involving two or more passenger vehicles are much different than accidents involving passenger vehicles and trucks. Accidents involving semi-trucks and other large commercial vehicles are often fatal for the occupants of smaller vehicles. When not, they are typically much more injurious.

The average semi-truck is 20 to 30x heavier than the average passenger vehicle and with a ground clearance just high enough for smaller cars to slide underneath. Even at slow speeds, the weight and size difference between these types of vehicles can lead to serious or fatal injury. If you have been injured or a loved one has been killed in an accident with a truck, our Atlanta truck accident attorneys can help. Call us at 404-760-7400 to schedule a free consultation and learn more.

How Are Truck Accidents Different Than Other Auto Accidents?

Five of the biggest differences between truck accidents and passenger vehicle accidents are:

The severity of injuries. Truck accidents typically result in serious or fatal injury. Even low-speed accidents with a commercial vehicle may result in both emergency and long-term medical care, neither of which can promise a full return to health. In fact, many victims of truck accidents are forced to deal with the emotional, physical, and financial consequences of their injuries for a lifetime.

The complexity of the accident. Accidents involving cars and commercial vehicles may be more complex for a variety of reasons. Laws regulating commercial trucking are very specific and knowledge of these laws is essential when building a case that places liability on the trucker, the company he or she drives for, or another party.

The underlying causes of the accident. So many things can go wrong while driving a semi-truck. Some of those things - speed, following distance, sleeping regularly, and staying sober, for example - are the responsibility of the driver. Others - the weight and size of the load, safety equipment, and schedule, for example - are not. In order to successfully secure compensation, the actual cause of the accident will need to be uncovered.

The number of people involved. Even when an accident involves only one car and one semi-truck, multiple parties may be involved. Truck accident liability may not rest with the truck driver, even when he or she seems to be clearly to blame. Issues such as unrealistic schedules, poorly secured loads, or equipment failure may be the responsibility of people who are thousands of miles from the scene of the accident.

The difficulty of securing compensation. Trucking companies and their drivers typically have attorneys and insurance companies working to minimize their liability following an accident. If you are not similarly prepared, you will likely see little if any of the compensation your injuries demand.

You Need a Truck Accident Lawyer

The truck accident lawyers at Watkins, Lourie, Roll & Chance know how to investigate commercial vehicle crashes to determine their cause. This information can help us build a case for compensation that holds all responsible parties to account and seeks maximum compensation for victims.

Left alone and you are at the mercy of lawyers and insurance agents representing the other side - and will most likely place yourself in a position to lose. Talking to one of our attorneys is free of both cost and obligation. You have nothing to lose by meeting with us, but you may have a significant amount to gain. Give us a call today at 404-760-7400 to schedule your complimentary case review and learn more.